The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is urging Filipinos to take advantage of its benefit packages for the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of thyroid cancer.

This is in line with the celebration of the National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week, usually during the last week of September, as established by Republic Act 10786 to inform the public about the symptoms and early actions to prevent the disease. 

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Philippines but is often curable if detected early. 

PhilHealth emphasized the importance of regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the neck, changes in voice, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

To help patients manage costs, PhilHealth offers the following benefit packages:

--P22,230 for Malignant Neoplasm of the Thyroid Gland (Thyroid Cancer) – covering part of the expenses for diagnosis, consultation, and initial medical management.

--Up to P60,450 for a Total or Complete Thyroidectomy.

Up to P90,675 for more complicated cases of Thyroidectomy, such as those involving neck dissection.

These benefit packages include both professional fees and hospital charges.

The agency also encouraged the public to participate in awareness activities, undergo regular screenings, and learn more about the full range of services available.